2025 Aerospace Software Engineer Undergraduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.  

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring an Undergraduate-level Aerospace Software Engineer Intern.

The Flight Systems Software Department performs independent verification and validation of flight software embedded within avionics systems aboard launch vehicles, spacecraft, and other vehicle systems. Our multidisciplinary staff provides technical oversight throughout the flight software development process, from requirements definition to day-of-launch and on-orbit operations. We develop high-fidelity closed-loop hardware and software testbeds to test the software to assess its readiness for flight. In addition, we develop and test real-time embedded software for CubeSats, drones and other emerging technologies. FSSD is seeking an Aerospace Software Engineer Intern with a passion for space and software development to be part of our team.

Work Model

• This position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Developing models of space system components such as sensors, actuators, and vehicle dynamics for use in software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and emulator-based simulators

• Conducting tests and perform analyses of software systems embedded within launch vehicles, spacecraft, CubeSats, and other mission-critical components of space systems.

• Participating in the development and maintenance of these simulations to support software validation, on-orbit anomaly resolution, and day-of-launch mission assurance activities.

• Developing tools and techniques for enhancing analysis and simulation capabilities.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Currently enrolled full-time at an accredited college/university degree program pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Math, Physics, or related discipline.

• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a degree program full-time after completion of the internship.

• Freshman class standing completed by internship start date

• Minimum GPA 3.0

• Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)

• Some background and/or experience programming in one or more of the following languages: Java, C, C++, and Python

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

• Transcripts required

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• GPA 3.5 or higher

• Relevant course work or project experience in dynamics, control systems, control algorithm design, or modeling & simulation

• Coursework or experience relevant to launch vehicles and/or spacecraft (spacecraft design, rocket design, rocket club, etc.)

• Experience with software development processes and tools including compilers, IDEs, software engineering and coding standards.

• Experience with machine learning and AI development

• Familiarity with containerization platforms such as Docker

• Experience with embedded microcontrollers or microprocessors

• Basic understanding in developing and/or testing real-time embedded software.

• Experience with the Atlassian tool suite, including JIRA, Bitbucket, and Confluence

Temporary housing assistance is not available.   

The Aerospace Corporation is a proud member of Space Workforce 2030, a growing coalition of leading space companies committed to collaboratively working toward a shared vision of expanding and diversifying opportunities for talent to join the exciting space industry. As part of this commitment, the Space Workforce 2030 companies have pledged to increase the number of females, diverse employees, and interns with a goal to hire at least 3,000 interns by the summer of 2030. Click here to learn more and register for the National Space Intern program.  

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Max)

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.